Machine for picking grapes - has plate which mounts rods fitted with sleeves inflated to grip fruit after pushing into bunches of plant

摘要

The machine is used for picking grapes and similar fruits off the plant. It comprises a plate, pierced with tapped holes staggered at intervals over its surface. A rod with a threaded end is screwed loosely into each hole, projecting inside a bellows at the back of the plate. Each rod h as a flexible sleeve, the sleeves being covered with small spikes. The plate is pushed into the bunches of fruit and the bellows compressed. This inflates the sleeves, gripping the fruit. Further compression of the bellows depresses and turns the spring ends of the rods, detaching the fruit.